Tips for Gilbert’s Games

Tips for Gilbert’s GamesGilbert’s Games is a great day for the whole family but there’s a lot going on!

So here’s our guide to making the most of the weekend!

Saturday 5th August

10:30: Let the Games begin! All our stalls and Georgian games begin and are totally free to take part in!11:00: Ever tried Stool Ball? A ancestor of Cricket , stool ball can be traced to the 15th century and was very popular in the 18th Century!

11:30: Visit our games! You can try our Coconut shy . Aunt Sally . Boot bowling . Croquet . Giant checkers . Giant jenga . Melon rolling . Pancake flipping . Snail racing . Table skittles12:00: To commemorate the 200th anniversary year of Jane Austen’s death we will be having a Jane’s Games Tent of Games as Jane would have known them!

12:30: Ready Steady Go! The 1st round of children’s races begin! Egg and Spoon Check, skipping ropes check, book balancing check!13:00: Make sure you get to the catering tent before Debbie’s famous sausage rolls run out!

13:30: Dorset Button’s will be running a workshop on button making!14:00: The Dandy Chargers arrive! The Dandy Chargers display and ride their two wheeled propulsion machines (they call them “horses”) at stately homes and in Regency cities and towns.

14:30: The games distributor Esdevian Games Demonstrators will be on had all Saturday to introduce you to some modern board games15:00: Embrace you inner Poldark and join our Scything Demonstration

15:30: Too busy playing for the Button making workshop here’s your chance!16:00: It’s the final round of Children’s games on the lawn!

16:30: Visit the Mostly miniatures water colours and handmade pottery Stall!17:00: Time to go home, but never fear you can buy a weekend pass that’ll get you in tomorrow too!

Sunday 6th August10:30: Up and at ‘em for another day of games and crafts!11:00: We’re joined by the Hampshire Regency Dancers, who will be showing dances from Gilbert White and Jane Austen’s time.

11.30 Join our Dorset button workshop! Missed the morning session? Never fear they will also be holding a workshop at 14:30.12:00 Our favourite Ferrets are back for a race at 12pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

12.30: Time for day two of our Children’s races on the lawn at 12:30 and 4pm.13:00: Join the International Guild of knot tyers to learn more about their crafts and try not to get yourself tied up in knots with their activities!

13:30: It’s time to try your hand at Regency Dancing, are you a Mr Collins, or a Henry Tilney? Too busy eating lunch never fear they will be performing again at 3pm!14:00: We have both our Tea parlour and Catering tent full of yummy homemade treats for lunch and afternoon tea.

14:30: Visit the East Hants weavers and spinners and see how it’s done!15:00: Time to visit our Jane’s Games tent and play some of the games mentioned in Austen’s novels and letters!

15:30: Last chance to see those ferrets race!16:00: Esdivian games will be showing off some of their board games

16:30: Then go back in time and see how the ROMANS played board games with our friends at Butser Ancient farm!17:00: Last chance to challenge Gilbert to a game or two before it’s time to go home!